Faculty
Michael Black
Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Bands
“I am a firm believer in the words of Victor Hugo, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Through music, I seek to provide an environment where students can express themselves in ways that words never could, and can experience and understand the expression and views of others in ways that they wouldn't otherwise be able to.”
Education
- D.M.A. Wind Band Conducting, University of Kentucky, 2017
- M.A. Instrumental Conducting, University of Connecticut, 2014
- B.A. Music Education, Northeastern State University, 2009
Courses
- Music Major: Music in Civilization
- Director of Marching Band and Symphonic Band
Teaching Positions & Professional Experience
- Joined Southern Virginia University in 2023
- Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Bands, Director of Music Education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 2021–23
- Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Instrumental Activities at Franklin College, 2016–21
- Department Chair, Franklin College, 2021–23
- Artistic Director, Crossroads Brass Band , 2019–21
- Director of Bands, Panama Public Schools, 2010–12
- Conducted regional premiere of “Into the Silent Land’ by Steve Danyew
- Conducted world premiere of “Songs of Solidarity” by Joseph Samuel
Scholarship & Creative Work
- Presented “Coping with “Podium Deafness”: How to fix what you cannot hear in rehearsal” at the Indiana Music Educators Professional Development Conference, 2020
- Published articleCoping with “Podium Deafness”, 2021
- Doctoral dissertation, article“The Wind Music of Steve Danyew: A Discussion and Analysis of Three Significant Wind Compositions”, 2016
Awards, Leadership & Service
- Service Learning Committee, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 2021–23
- Homecoming Committee, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, 2021–23
- President, Franklin Symphonic Council, 2021–23
- Department Chair, Franklin College Music, 2020–21
- President, Franklin College Alpha Society, 2019–21
- Board, Franklin College Liberal Arts, 2016–19
- Academic Achievement Award, Northeastern State University, 2008
- Member, Alpha Chi National College Honors Society
Memberships
- Oklahoma Bandmasters Association
- Oklahoma Music Educators Association
- National Association of Music Educators
- College Band Directors National Association